Experimental Validation of the Unified Theory

Abstract

Hatsopoulos and Gyftopoulos (1976a,b,c,d) founded the Unified Quantum Theory of Mechanics and Thermodynamics. This theory encompasses both quantum mechanics and thermodynamics within a single mathematical framework. Unlike statistical approaches, it treats thermodynamics as a non-statistical (hence, a physical) theory and is intended to describe all reversible and irreversible phenomena. Unfortunately, the theory has long been criticized for not bringing anything new beyond statistical quantum thermodynamics. To break through this misconception that thermodynamics is a statistical theory, experimental validation at a microscopic scale, where statistical effects are negligible, would be fruitful. In this paper, which is based on the dissertation work of the author (1993), experiments that were previously reported are investigated within the framework of the new theory. It is argued that they provide an undeniable confirmation of the theory and the existence of irreversibility at the microscopic scale.

• An initial version of this paper was published in
  July of 2006 in the proceedings of ECOS’06, Aghia
  Pelagia, Crete, Greece. 

Keywords

• Gyftopoulos-Hatsopoulos unified quantum theory of mechanics and thermodynamics, non-statistical (physical) theory of thermodynamics, equation of motion for reversible and irreversible processes, dynamical law, microscopic irreversibility